Slow Down & Savor Cheyenne’s Cowboy Country Gems

Linger in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to explore stunning landscapes, immerse yourself in Old West history, and embrace the cowboy legend. Bring home breathtaking photos, intriguing tales, and a taste of the unique Cheyenne spirit.
Prepared By:

Staying in Cheyenne feels timeless, and exploring it feels like finding treasure. With delicious food, warm company, a vibrant cowboy culture, and rich Western history, you can experience the best of the past and present when you visit. There’s a lot to see in southeastern Wyoming, so make sure you take the time to explore these Cheyenne attractions and gems!

This story was created in partnership with Visit Cheyenne.

Curt Gowdy State Park

A short drive west of Cheyenne, Curt Gowdy State Park is full of unique geology, beautiful views, and fun outdoor recreation! Visitors can hike and mountain bike on the park’s all-levels trail system, fish and enjoy water sports on one of the three refreshing reservoirs, and see unique wildlife around the park. Make sure to stop in the visitor’s center too, for an educational mountain lion exhibit, to learn more about the park and its namesake, famous sports commentator Curt Gowdy!

One of the unique rocks in Curt Gowdy State Park.

The Albany 

Ready for some food after playing outside? Pay a visit to The Albany in Cheyenne, a 119-year-old restaurant that’s still a local favorite today. A place where you can see governors and cowboys eating together, we recommend their chiliburger, Greek salad, and one of their hand-crafted sandwiches (though you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu). Owned by the same family since 1942, The Albany is a great spot to taste true Wyoming flavors and experience Cheyenne’s community spirit.

Cheyenne Depot Museum & Plaza 

After sampling their menu, take a step outside and you’ll be standing in the historic Cheyenne Depot Plaza. Here, folks can enjoy live music and farmer’s markets in the summertime. At its southern side is the Cheyenne Depot Museum, which stands at the heart of Cheyenne’s history. The Depot (as it’s lovingly called by locals) is the last of the grand 19th-century depots remaining on the transcontinental railroad. Inside, you’ll find a renovated depot lobby, looking how it did back in the station’s heyday. You’ll also find the museum, which is full of fascinating railroad history, inspiring Cheyenne stories, original equipment used to build the railroad and supply the depot, and an elaborate working train model upstairs! One of The Depot’s claims to fame is that at the peak of the transcontinental railroad, Cheyenne handled maintenance and repair for the country’s largest steam engines. If you’re lucky, you may be able to hear the whistle and see the grandeur of one of the original Big Boy engines; two of the remaining eight in the world reside in Cheyenne.

See an assortment of railroad history displayed in the Cheyenne Depot Museum (left), on the south side of Cheyenne Depot Plaza (right).

Downtown Cheyenne 

A short stroll from the Cheyenne Depot Plaza, explore paved paths woven between 140 year old manors and modern cafes alike in Cheyenne’s downtown. At Emma’s Old Time Photos, you can dress up as a character from the Old West and reenact scenes in your own custom photos. At the Paramount Cafe, sip freshly brewed coffee in a former theater built at the turn of the century. On their back patio, you’ll find close access to live music venues and colorful community murals along the building walls. Find hand-crafted food, up-close fun, and friendly local shopping in Downtown Cheyenne!

Nagle Warren Mansion 

Nearby, walk through a threshold of luxury and history at the Nagle Warren Mansion. This iconic Victorian-style bed and breakfast was originally built in 1888, and it retains all of its charm, beauty, and hospitality. Also known as “The Duchess of Cheyenne,” the mansion offers old-world service, delightful teas and rare liquors, and highlights Wyoming’s unique histories. From the ornate designs to cozy lodging and delicious hand-cooked breakfasts by the innkeeper, the Nagle Warren is a perfect place to stay for a couples getaway or solo treat! (It’s also a short walk from some tasty spots like Blue Raven Brewery and Bella Fuoco Wood Fired Pizza)

The Nagle Warren Mansion (left) is only a short walk away from Bella Fuoco Wood Fired pizza (top right) and Blue Raven Brewery (bottom right)

Terry Bison Ranch 

Looking for a horseback riding adventure in cowboy country? A short drive from Cheyenne, explore the Terry Bison Ranch! Here, visitors can take part in horseback trail rides, awesome solo and guided horseback tours, and an up-close bison train ride! The ranch was originally created in 1881 by Wyoming’s first governor, F.E. Warren. With kind, safe service and the nearby Senator’s Steakhouse, you can feel like a classic cowboy and enjoy a true Wyoming experience.

Enjoy horseback tours and an up-close bison train at the Terry Bison Ranch.

Pine Bluffs Distilling 

Savor a cool glass of whiskey at Pine Bluffs Distilling.

About a 45-minute drive out from Cheyenne, you and your attraction pass will not want to miss checking a box at Pine Bluffs Distilling. Savor a beverage featuring local farm-to-flask flavors, crafted with the spirit of Wyoming and community in mind. Treat yourself to a glass of handcrafted whiskey or bourbon or share a toast with family and friends in the lounging area, then bring home a bottle to break open the next time you’re planning another adventure in Cheyenne.

 

Other Places & Experiences

Hidden Gems & Road Trip Tips

Get road trip itineraries & travel tips straight to your inbox!

Find out the location of the hidden gem pictured below in our next newsletter!

Agree

Thank you for signing up for the "Best Kept Road Trip Secrets" newsletter coming to your inbox soon!

Pin It on Pinterest

Share Your Adventure